Tachuan is located between Hongcun and Mukeng Bamboo Sea, with a distance of 2.5 kilometers from both. This small Hui-style village, also known as Tashang, is named for its ancient dwellings built against the mountains, creating a layered appearance resembling a pagoda, and a stream flowing through the village. Tachuan is renowned for its autumn scenery, which attracts numerous photographers every late autumn.
Mid-to-late October marks the beginning of autumn in Tachuan, with late November being the optimal time to view the autumn colors, when the Chinese tallow trees display a spectrum of green, yellow, and red hues across the hills, and the village with white walls and black tiles rises with wisps of cooking smoke, presenting a picturesque scene akin to an oil painting. It is recommended to call local inns in advance to inquire about the red leaf conditions; otherwise, one might be disappointed if they miss the autumn scenery. Although Tachuan’s pastoral scenery is also commendable, it may create a psychological contrast when compared to the autumn colors, and the old houses in the village cannot match those in Hongcun. During autumn, traffic on the 102nd rural road is heavy, and it is advisable to walk from Hongcun to Tachuan. Several viewing platforms are located along the 102nd rural road, marked with signs. The first shooting point is about 200 meters west of Tachuan, offering views of Tachuan and Hengyuan Village. The second shooting point requires climbing a small hill from the rural road to capture a panoramic view of Tachuan. After walking another 150 meters along the rural road, the third shooting point can be found, providing views of Tachuan and Hengyuan Village. Continuing forward and turning a bend, a small hill on the right side of the road, the fourth shooting point, also offers views of Tachuan and Hengyuan Village. The fifth shooting point is at the entrance of the Hongcun Tunnel, with a broad view that encompasses Xie Li, Fengdeng Village, and Qishu Lake. The 102nd rural road is a popular hiking route. If you have more time, you can take the detour of Hongcun-Fengdeng-Xie Li-Tachuan-Hongcun loop, which is lined with pastoral scenery. Instead of heading north on the 102nd rural road from Hongcun’s Nanhu, take the southeastern 066th rural road. First, you will see Qishu Lake, where you can photograph sunrises and set up tents by the lake. Following the lake and passing by the Xie Li Mountain Villa, you will encounter a fork in the road; take the northern path, which leads through Fengdeng Village and continues north to Xie Li Village. Ask locals in Xie Li how to get to the highway; the Hongcun Tunnel on the 102nd rural road is close to Xie Li. Going east over the tunnel leads to Mukeng Bamboo Sea, while heading west along the 102nd rural road will take you to Tachuan and Hongcun. The loop is not difficult to navigate, as it is mostly paved. From Hongcun to Xie Li Mountain Villa is about 2 kilometers, Xie Li Mountain Villa to Fengdeng Village is about 300 meters, Fengdeng Village to Xie Li is about 2 kilometers, Hongcun Tunnel to Tachuan is about 2. 5 kilometers, and Tachuan to Hongcun is also about 2.5 kilometers. The loop can be completed in a day. Since dusk and dawn are the best times for photography, it is suggested that photography enthusiasts depart from Hongcun in the afternoon and stay overnight in Mukeng Bamboo Sea or Tachuan. Accommodation in Tachuan and Mukeng Bamboo Sea is decent, with private bathrooms and hot water. For a better stay, one can choose to stay in Hongcun.Tachuan, along with Hongcun, Xie Li Mountain Villa, Xie Li, and Mukeng Bamboo Sea, all offer dining options with a focus on traditional rural dishes such as winter bamboo shoots and free-range chicken. Seasonal vegetables are always fresh, and during autumn, visitors can purchase persimmons from the locals. The opening hours are from 07:30 to 17:00 all year round.
Preferential Policies:
– Children: Free entry for children under 6 years old (inclusive) or under 1.2 meters in height, accompanied by a guardian with a valid ID or household registration book.
– Elderly: Free entry for individuals aged 65 and above with a valid ID; half-price for individuals aged between 60 and 65 (exclusive of 65) with a valid ID.
– Disabled: Free entry with a valid disability certificate.
– Journalists: Free entry with a valid press card.
– Tour Guides: Free entry with a valid tour guide certificate.
– Minors: Half-price for minors aged between 6 and 18 (inclusive) with a valid ID or household registration book.
– Students: Half-price for full-time undergraduate and below students with a valid student ID.
– Active Military and Retired Cadres: Half-price for active military personnel and retired cadres with a valid military ID or officer’s certificate.
Additional Information: The above information is for reference only; please check the actual information disclosed by the scenic spot on the day of your visit.
Amenities:
– Restrooms: There are multiple restrooms within the park, all well-marked with signs.
Important Tips:
1. Tachuan’s autumn is not only known for its red leaves but also for its chrysanthemums. Additionally, the rapeseed flowers in March and April are worth seeing.
2. The fourth photography spot on the 102th Rural Road is quite hidden; be careful not to damage crops when climbing the small hill.
3. If you miss capturing the mist or smoke of Tachuan, do not be discouraged; be patient, as some photography enthusiasts may bring smoke pellets to create a misty effect during the peak autumn season.
4. For those hiking the Hongcun-Fengdeng-Xieli-Tachuan-Hongcun loop, Hongcun, Mukeng Bamboo Sea, and Tachuan can serve as supply points, but it is recommended to bring some dry food.
5. If you order free-range chicken at a local farmhouse, it is advisable to watch the owner catch and kill the chicken to avoid being served a pre-frozen one.
